Meal Costs at Jail Increase

CREST HAVEN – Meal time at the county Correctional Center may not be a gourmet’s delight, but the cost will increase slightly. 
Freeholders approved an adjustment with Trinity Services Group Inc., which provides the meals for inmates and staff.
Based on a 2.6 percent increase since last year in the Consumer Price Index “Food Away from Home Index,” inmates’ meals will cost $1.65, up from $1.61 each, and staff meals, which are paid by staff, will increase to $2.03 from $1.98.
In other action the board:
* Reappointed Maryanne K. Murphy of Court House and Carol A. Brand of Cape May to the County Bridge Commission. Murphy’s term will expire April 30, 2020; Brand’s will expire April 30, 2021.
* Accepted an application from Leonard and Elizabeth Verity who applied to have a 33.37-acre farm at 680 Dennisville Road, Dennis Township become part of the county’s Farmland Preservation Program. Two appraisals must be done to determine development easement value for the parcel.
* Authorized reimbursement of $71,520 to the Technical School District for softball field equipment, bleachers, and foul poles. The county is creating a softball field at the school.
* Approved $434,822 to Hall Construction Co., Inc. for additional items at the Correctional Center, revised fencing, shower road revisions, dental and kitchen equipment, and furniture and signage painting.
* Approved aerial dispensing operations by the Department of Mosquito Control.
* Designated New Hope Integrated Behavioral Health Care as the provider of 48-hour Intoxicated Driver Resource Center for county residents required to attend after DWI convictions.
* Increased by $530,000 the ceiling amount for additional work by Michael Baker International Inc. for engineering services in connection with the Rio Grande Avenue entrance improvements in Wildwood.
* Also to the above firm for $149,900 for bridge engineering services at 21st Street and 25th Street over Avalon Canal for erosion damage and substructure repairs.
* Accepted proposal of WSP USA Inc. for $162,156 for bridge engineering services for the Middle Thorofare Bridge railing replacement project.